Stephen_T
Australian expat in Bulgaria
Forum posts
48
Contacts
13
About me
Australian
Speaks English and Bulgarian
Registration: 15 March 2016
A massive THANK YOU to Stephen T by ricoandmand
Hi guys, I have been married to a Bulgarian for over 25 years! We live in the UK. We had to sell an apartment in Sofia as grandma had to go into a nursing home. OMG who would I trust to start and finish the job particularly when we were not ...
Haha just saw this now, havent been very active in the forum, thank you VERY much for the kind words, it was a real pleasure dealing with you and your husband. Read More
Property buying in bulgaria by Hebburnman
Hello Just trying to find out about this process Is it easier to use an agent or deal direct with the owner,and also what kind of legal representation will i need Looking to buy at Central Park in novi han Grateful for any information I ...
I work in real estate, dont trust Bulgarian real estate agents, the majority are only interested in their commission and could care less if there is a problem with the property. If you cant find a recommended, trusted agent, hire a good property ... Read More
Rent a flat in Sofia by Tobi S
Hello locals, I am going for work to Sofia soon and seeking for an affordable appartment. First I used google and found some good looking appartments on English-speaking websites. They looks like nice, but were overprisied. I would be comfortable ...
Thats real, the agency (aldes) is one of the bigger ones, all their ads are real. Other big agencies are yavlena, address, primo plus, mirela.. im not saying theyre good, just saying their ads are real. The reason its "only" 450 leva is ... Read More
Healthcare in Bulgaria by JimAH1152
My wife and I will be retiring to Europe within the next few years. We love Sofia (wife is Bulgarian, I鈥檓 from the United States), but wanted to know how good is healthcare for older retirees in a city like Sofia?
The free healthcare is terrible, the doctors and equipment are from the Soviet era and nobody cares. Anyone young and competent has moved to Europe or to a private hospital. For anything serious you need to pay at a private hospital, I recommend ... Read More
Experiences of purchasing property in Bulgaria by JackieJ10
I am interested in finding out members experiences of purchasing a property in Bulgaria. My research has lead me to believe it is not without its risks. Stories of property fraud & scams. I wish to know the best & safest way to purchase a ...
You need a trustyworthy real estate broker or a lawyer. Someone who is looking after your interests. The main things to check on the property you are interested in is first checking if its legally built and the land is properly mapped, and ... Read More
Rent a flat in Sofia by Tobi S
Hello locals, I am going for work to Sofia soon and seeking for an affordable appartment. First I used google and found some good looking appartments on English-speaking websites. They looks like nice, but were overprisied. I would be comfortable ...
Hi, just piping in because I work sales in real estate, specializing in Sofia, and I get a lot of private messages regarding the rental market. The decent 400 leva a month apartments ads are a scam, no such thing exists in the open market ... Read More
Will I be able to manage with 320 canadian dollars a month? by Poster88
Am a solo traveller to sofia. Please help me with the following :- Cost of the following things(monthly):- Salon toiletries yoga gym+personal trainer meds phone+internet accomodation+food+wifi+laundry+cleaning food(if i cook by myself) whatever is ...
Lol@yoga/personal trainer/salons and 320 dollar budget, surely thats trolling Read More
Will I be able to manage with 320 canadian dollars a month? by Poster88
Am a solo traveller to sofia. Please help me with the following :- Cost of the following things(monthly):- Salon toiletries yoga gym+personal trainer meds phone+internet accomodation+food+wifi+laundry+cleaning food(if i cook by myself) whatever is ...
If you get a cheap shared room and live on junk food and dont buy anything you can survive on 500-600 leva but it will be pretty miserable. Decent accomodation (one bedroom apartment in decent suburb, decent furniture) will be minimum 600 leva, food ... Read More
Property tax by Brandy1
I already own a property in Bulgaria near Varna but not sure how to go about paying property tax as not been there for a few years
Just go to the local council and give them your name and address, if they can't help they'll send you to the right place. Read More
Building a small hotel in the ski resorts
0 chance if you are not mob-related, unfortunately. Read More
Thinking of taking a job in sofia bulgaria
Hi, This is a great thread with lots of general information- /forum/viewtopic.php?id=583059 Generally speaking, Sofia is by far the cheapest european capital city to live in. Rent wise, a quality furnished 2 bedroom property ... Read More
English Primary School Options by Ledgerous
Hi everyone, My family and I have been offered a position in Sofia which we are considering. The only question mark we have is on schools. We have 3 daughters all of primary school age. So far we've identified the British School of Sofia as ...
The anglo american school is supposed to be the best English speaking school in Sofia, however the fees are a bit ridiculous... for 3 kids it will be around 65-70k euro a year. I think there are English/Irish boarding schools on a much higher level ... Read More
When buying property in Bulgaria by expat1066
Hi all, For those who want to buy property in Bulgaria, you dont need expensive estate agencies, buy direct off of the locals, its much much cheaper.. I am sure a British expat would spare the time to help show you where there is a Good Notary ? ...
Dear Hally, You contacted me yesterday, I responded twice since then. Twice I asked what your budget was, which you ignored. Despite this, I offered the only two properties which are on sale through us that fit the only criteria you told me (within ... Read More
Recommendations for property websites by lisagibbins1982
We are looking to purchase a property in Bulgaria, with the aim to create a semi sufficient home. Now, I have gone through the internet and read the horror stories regarding different agencies etc. Now, does anyone have any actual recommendations ...
Hi Lisa, I would be glad to help if you are looking in or around Sofia, but it doesn't sound like it. I can also recommend an agent for around Varna, I don't really know anyone outside these two main locations however. The best site that ... Read More
When buying property in Bulgaria by expat1066
Hi all, For those who want to buy property in Bulgaria, you dont need expensive estate agencies, buy direct off of the locals, its much much cheaper.. I am sure a British expat would spare the time to help show you where there is a Good Notary ? ...
I'm an estate agent (for Sofia only), I'm certainly not "on the take". Read More
Sofia compared to other EU cities by guyjones
As I have 拢3.5 million (inheritance) to buy a house with, I saw best value in Sofia in Europe, houses for that money cost 拢30 million in London. Are the rest of the cities amenities as good? the nightlife? shopping? and everything else, ...
Just FYI, there has never been a 3.75m pound/euro house sold in Bistrica, ever. It is a cheap village outside Sofia, in fact there is an entire building complex for sale there (39 separate family houses in about 35k sq.m of land) for about 2 million ... Read More
Wasted Journey? I'm home already! by BruceLeeTheHealer
Hi Friends, This is just a catch up on my trip to Bulgaria. It's now 23:00 GMT on Tuesday and I am back home! All your advice was very much appreciated, however, we cannot control all of our life events, especially those which happen when we are ...
Hi, I'm sorry to hear of your troubles, both Bruce and English Specialist. I 100% agree that nearly all the good "maistors" have either retired (it is a physically demanding job) or left for Germany/Holland/Spain/Italy etc. and the ... Read More
Looking for a job as an English teacher in Varna or private tutoring by Shabir14
I am a native English speaker and a BA English student, currently looking for an English teaching job either in schools or private tutoring in Varna. If anyone could help me and point me in the right direction as to where I can apply for such ...
Keep in mind teachers don't make much in Bulgaria, even for private schools. I think 1,000 leva a month would be a good salary. Read More
When buying property in Bulgaria by expat1066
Hi all, For those who want to buy property in Bulgaria, you dont need expensive estate agencies, buy direct off of the locals, its much much cheaper.. I am sure a British expat would spare the time to help show you where there is a Good Notary ? ...
Hi, It depends if you have a quality agent, or a dodgy Bulgarian agent. If you go in for a foreigner expect the price for a rural property to double. Unless the lawyer/notary is a close friend of yours, I think it's naive to think they're ... Read More
where to buy rugs in sofia region by yuill family
Hi All, Hope there is someone out there who can help with the following. We would like information on where we can buy rugs in the Sofia region. We live near Samokov so would be happy to drive for not more than 2 hours to get what we are looking ...
Pazar Ilienci (outskirts of Sofia, after Svoboda) has the largest selection of rugs, at the best prices. You can also negotiate, but be sure you can recognize real wool from nylon/immitations unless you want to be ripped off. Carpet max are a more ... Read More
Dear All Need Your Help!!!
By that logic every small business in Bulgaria is running at a loss. Many people I know went from rags to millionaires in 10 years or less. Just requires a different skill set and mentality. Read More
Cost of living by ragabo
Dears, I am writing to you for getting help please. I have an offer to live and work in Sofia, Bulgaria. My question is what does it cost for me, my wife, and daughter (2 years old) to live in terms of housing, services, transportation, school for ...
I know a lot of families who survive on 1500 leva a month, which includes mortgage/rent of around 700 or so. Others can spend 3000 plus. 1 bedroom central location rental is around 700-800 leva. Food is around 100-200 a week, depending on your ... Read More
Relocating to Sofia - Housing and living questions by luobin
Hi, I am considering a move to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, and would really appreciate some good advice and information from expats and/or locals who are registered on this website. There are of course many questions/concerns on my mind that I ...
Currently the most flexible/lowest fee bank is Central Cooperative Bank- I like them, because there are no monthly fees and you can withdraw up to 5,000 leva cash without fees at any time. In most other banks, the limit is around 1,000 leva and even ... Read More
Travelling from England to Bulgaria by road (route) by BruceLeeTheHealer
Hi everyone, This coming Thursday I will finally be bringing my first load across Europe to my little house in Vraca, via Dover/Calais! I'm travelling in my LWB Sprinter. It's only days away and I'm still struggling with the best route ...
I am basing my knowledge on living in Sofia for over 10 years, and knowing many expats, most of which drive with their Australian, British or American driving licenses here. The amount of fines they have received? 0. The amount of licenses taken ... Read More
I need to send myself money from US to Bulgaria by svetlanik
Hello, Need to find a way that I can send my mom's ssa payments from an American bank to Bulgaria. But I want to be able to pick it up in person, or is it better to open account and do wire transfers! Which is better ? What banks here in ...
The simplest way would be to open a Bulgarian bank account for the person you want withdrawing the cash, and have the money transferred to that account. You can open an account in US dollars but keep in mind the money will automatically get ... Read More
Travelling from England to Bulgaria by road (route) by BruceLeeTheHealer
Hi everyone, This coming Thursday I will finally be bringing my first load across Europe to my little house in Vraca, via Dover/Calais! I'm travelling in my LWB Sprinter. It's only days away and I'm still struggling with the best route ...
*** Here's a quick explanation of fines in Bulgaria: Once you get a Bulgarian driving license, you also receive a little cardboard card called "controlen talon" which is informally called a "blue card". This has the amount ... Read More
king size bed by gadge
Hi all Does anyone know where you can buy a king size bed? Thanks Phil
I would recommend the Italian brand Magniflex, which I personally use. 100% foam, you can purchase it from any major mattress or furniture store. You can also order a custom size if you are very tall. They're not cheap, but most of the mattress ... Read More
Travelling from England to Bulgaria by road (route) by BruceLeeTheHealer
Hi everyone, This coming Thursday I will finally be bringing my first load across Europe to my little house in Vraca, via Dover/Calais! I'm travelling in my LWB Sprinter. It's only days away and I'm still struggling with the best route ...
Driving in Bulgaria with a foreign license, there is literally nothing the police can do to you even if you break the law. DO NOT give them bribes, they will demand cash on some trumped up charges. Smile and act dumb, speak in English, be friendly ... Read More
A breakdown of living costs in a village by Corter
I have been lucky enough that an expat living in a village not far from Veliko Tarnovo has let me borrow and reprint here a breakdown of actual living costs. It originally appeared as a post in The Pavlikeni Post a Facebook group and there was a ...
I just want to add that living in a village, most of your neighbors will be producing their own products (from their animals and vegetable gardens/fruit trees), and there should be an oversupply. Nearly everyone will be willing to sell/trade, ... Read More
A breakdown of living costs in a village by Corter
I have been lucky enough that an expat living in a village not far from Veliko Tarnovo has let me borrow and reprint here a breakdown of actual living costs. It originally appeared as a post in The Pavlikeni Post a Facebook group and there was a ...
I guess Gabrovo is expensive compared to Sofia... I actually buy milk for less than 1 lev (you can find it on special in chain supermarkets, or go to a specialized food trader), buy pre-grilled and skinned pickled peppers in jars during winter (very ... Read More
A breakdown of living costs in a village by Corter
I have been lucky enough that an expat living in a village not far from Veliko Tarnovo has let me borrow and reprint here a breakdown of actual living costs. It originally appeared as a post in The Pavlikeni Post a Facebook group and there was a ...
Hi, Your electrical bill seems high, are you running air-conditioning all the time? With modern appliances and LED lights you shouldn't be paying more than 30-35 leva for 2 people, and that includes 2 TV's, fridge and freezer, computer, ... Read More
Bulgaria is a mine field for expats by harryoooh
When buying property in Bulgaria do not rely on estate agents, lawyers or Notaries to do their jobs because most don't! I know personally lots of people who have lost lots of money from a few thousand, to their life savings.The story are a ...
Hi, Without meaning to offend anyone, I think that any time you choose to purchase property, in any country, you need a lot more serious approach. I cannot fathom ever purchasing a property without an inspection in person, and having a professional ... Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia by Stephen_T
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ...
I really love the city. It's developing rapidly with reforms and money from the EU, and there are many new business opportunities. Major world brands like IBM, HP, etc have noticed the qualified and extremely cheap workers (average salary for ... Read More
Business etiquette in Bulgaria by Julien
Hello everybody, As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in Bulgaria, we warmly encourage you to share information and ...
Hi Julien, The business etiquette here is the same as in anywhere else. Depending on the type of business you are in however, it is more acceptable to be "flashy" here, sometimes to the point of being crass- expensive suits, cars, and ... Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia by Stephen_T
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ...
Hi Jojo, This is a complex and bureaucratic procedure, it is best to hire a local expert to help you with the paperwork, since it needs to be all done in Bulgarian- and nobody in the municipality will speak English to help you. I have heard of one ... Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia by Stephen_T
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ...
Thank you Corinne, glad I could help! Read More
Flights booked :) how is public transport system? Any Cheap B&B? by terriain
Well we have booked our flight to Sofia for the 22nd April to sign legal documents for the house we won in Stezherovo Village in the Pleven Region near Veliko Turnovo on Ebay a little nervous but also very excited about it. We both are aware that ...
Hi Terri, There won't be any direct transport to the village from Sofia- your best bet would be to catch a bus from Sofia to Pleven from the Central Bus station in Sofia (blvd. maria luiza 100), there's a bus every hour on the hour from 9am ... Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia by Stephen_T
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ...
Hi Corinne, Thanks for your interest. You have the right idea- the best buy-to-let ratio in Sofia is with studios and 1 bedroom apartments. A nice new building in a good location is a lot more important than size to potential renters, so buy as ... Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia by Stephen_T
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ...
Hello James, You are absolutely right, if anyone has any questions or needs more information, please post your questions here and I will be happy to answer them best regards Stephen Read More
Offering real estate assistance in Sofia
Hello everyone, I moved from Melbourne, Australia to Sofia, Bulgaria about 11 years for ago since it was the birthplace of my parents, initially for a holiday. I fell in love with the city and the country in general. No other place in the world has ... Read More
if anyone can suggest a good English speaking broker by alexji123
Hello i'm Alex, I moved to Bulgaria to work/live 2 years ago from the UK. I live in Sofia and really think Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful countries I've been to. I started learning Bulgarian a while back and had some small progress, ...
Hi, Thanks for the interest, I dropped you a private message Read More
if anyone can suggest a good English speaking broker by alexji123
Hello i'm Alex, I moved to Bulgaria to work/live 2 years ago from the UK. I live in Sofia and really think Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful countries I've been to. I started learning Bulgarian a while back and had some small progress, ...
Hi Alex, drop me e message if you are still looking, I'm an expat who's fluent in Bulgarian and I've recently started an agency with a friend of mine focusing on Sofia only Read More
A train from Sofia................... by stepool1970
Hello forum members, I would appreciate some advice please, I would like to try the train system out for a change rather than drive, as we all know driving is a wee bit hazardous at times, so can anyone assist me on the actual train station name, ...
I would greatly recommend buses over trains, considering the buses are all privately owned and competition means prices are low and the buses are new. All trains are owned by the government, they can charge whatever they like, and the trains tend to ... Read More
Reliable Estate Agents? by xpatbg
What are the trusted or reliable Estate Agents of Bulgarian Property Market? How about the "Premium Properties BG" premiumpropertiesbg.com ? Any comments or experiences with them?
Hi, If you are looking for real estate in or around Sofia, I will be more than happy to help. No contracts, nothing upfront. If you are looking elsewhere, it gets a lot more tricky- I would advice you to avoid the major brokers like Remax/Yavlena ... Read More